Commissioners approve emergency shared‑services agreement to house Mercer County juveniles at Atlantic County detention center
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Summary
After discussion and amendments limiting use to emergency placements, the Board adopted a shared‑services agreement allowing Mercer County to use Atlantic County’s juvenile detention beds when other contracted facilities are unavailable.
The Board of Commissioners pulled and discussed a revised shared‑services agreement that will allow Mercer County temporarily to place juvenile detainees at Atlantic County’s Juvenile Detention Center in emergency situations.
County counsel and detention staff told commissioners the revised agreement clarifies that Atlantic County will accept out‑of‑county youth only when the county has available beds, when screening determines the youth are appropriate for the facility, and when the receiving and sending authorities arrange transfer as quickly as possible. County officials said Atlantic County currently has spare capacity — roughly 20 beds with a typical census near 10 to 11 youths — and that staff monitor daily bed availability before accepting any transfers.
Jerry DelRosso (county administration) said the common pattern is that municipal intake points and contracted facilities reach capacity late at night, leaving juveniles awaiting placement. The county’s detention superintendent and Juvenile Justice Commission contacts were described as part of the transfer and follow‑up process; county staff said placements would be handled on a short‑term basis while other placement options are pursued.
Commissioners asked for safeguards to avoid prolonged stays that could lead to overcrowding. Several commissioners said they supported a narrowly limited emergency program and emphasized that Atlantic County children who can be placed locally will continue to be prioritized for available beds. Commissioner discussion also flagged that females are currently housed outside the county because of programming and safety considerations; the board said that practice will continue.
After discussion, the board returned the resolution to the consent agenda and adopted the agreement by roll call. Commissioners and staff said they will monitor admissions and retention closely and will revisit the agreement if local bed pressure increases.